The ALS Association has issued a new report concerning biomedical progress. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
+ Technology/Innovation
Amanda Rupp | May 12, 2016

ALS Association releases new report about biomedical progress

The ALS Association recently published a new report, called “Medicines in Development for Rare Diseases,” to show that U.S. biopharmaceutical research companies are working hard to create new medicines for rare diseases.

The medicines, more than 560 in total, are designed to treat a variety of rare illnesses, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There are approximately 7,000 known rare illnesses that afflict fewer than 200,000 U.S. citizens each year.

Unfortunately, there are many challenges that face researchers who are developing these treatments. It can be difficult to find enough volunteers to participate in trials and studies. To resolve this problem, the scientists are using new technologies that will help them to make progress in developing the drugs.

As of today, 38 drugs are in development. These are designed for neurological diseases like ALS.

“It is collaborative efforts between biopharmaceutical researchers, patients and disease groups like ours that are driving the search for new treatments for ALS,” Barbara Newhouse, president and CEO of The ALS Association, said. “As we learn more and more about this debilitating disease, the prospect of a cure is becoming a reality -- giving patients and their families new hope.”

The report was released in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

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